COVID 19

COVID 19 - PARENT INFORMATION CENTRE

REFUND INFORMATION

MAY 31, 2020

Hi Whitecaps London Parents,

Please see below memo from EMSA clarifying that: Ontario Soccer and the district do not authorize players to practice in person.

The recent confusion with return to play has been corrected. Until we have a set of safety protocols approved by Canada Soccer and the health authorities, we cannot return to any type of organized training.

Whitecaps London coaches have been instructed not to conduct any type of organized training with any players until there is an approved Return to Train and Return to Play directive.

This is to protect not only the safety of the players, but also the coaches and everyone's families.

We all want to get back on the field but we have to be patient and put health and safety first. We will keep you updated on Return to Train and Return to Play developments.

EMSA would like to make it very clear that OS and the district do not authorize players to practice in person. There was some confusion with OS Bulletins that OS had sent out to the district and clubs. (Please review OS BULLETIN I2020-054)

May 24, 2020

Hello Whitecaps Families,

Happy May 24…(Adding Humour)

We trust that you are all well and continuing to be safe and practicing social distancing as the beautiful weather continues.

Ministry of Health / Government of Ontario News

At this point Ontario Soccer is completing their reports of “Return to Train” and “Return to Play” Protocols. Once these are approved by the MOH and our Provincial Government and Sport Canada we will share those plans.

In the coming weeks, the Provincial Government has already announced that restrictions to athletic fields will be lifted. Please note that the club cannot officially lead any sessions for our members until we obtain the green light from our governing bodies. We can’t wait for them to be lifted. In the meantime, please take precautions and maintain social distance if or when you choose to hit up some green space.

Fitness

It’s important to keep the fitness/cardio levels ups. Parents we need your support to have your athletes continue to stay fit and challenge themselves. We have no doubt that their ball skills will return, after one or two practice sessions. Fitness is a key component that cannot be “turned on.” We encourage all athletes to take advantage of this down time to go for a daily run, take advantage of the Vancouver Whitecaps LIVE practice sessions daily held at 5:00PM EST and of course all of the other CLUB physical activity offerings. Have your athlete reach out to their coaches if they require a plan or assistance with this.

Contest Winners

#CapsGotTalent & #WhiteCapsKeepMovin

We saw some amazing and incredible talents displayed in this contest. We have some seriously artistic athletes in this club. #SoProud.

Before we announce the winners please note we placed the name of each participant into a hat that submitted a post. We then drew the from a hat. When we resume we will connect with all the winners.

Winners

Caps Got Talent:

U13 Plus: Logan 2005 OPDL Boys

Grassroots – Isobel – 2008G

Whitecaps Keep Movin

U13 Plus: Keira 2007 OPDL Girls

Grassroots: Danica – 2008G

News Directly from the MLS Vancouver Whitecaps FC:

Whitecaps London fully encourages all athletes and parents to take advantage of the following opportunity.

Save the DATES:

Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Player and Parent Education

BOYS Session:

The first session will be led by Craig Dalrymple our Player Development and Academy Recruitment Director and will focus on our male player pathway, our development philosophy, and insights into our MLS Academy.

We are excited to confirm the below details for our female player and parent information session, which will be led by our Girls Elite Head Coach Chris Sargeant and will cover a variety of topics ranging from: our female player pathway, a look inside our Girls Elite Super REX Centre in Vancouver, and an overview of our philosophy on working with players. We will also give parents and players an opportunity to ask questions and connect with the Girls Elite Staff directly.

May 17, 2020

Hello Whitecaps Families,

Just a few updates to share with you this week. We hope everyone is staying safe and continuing to stay home to lower the curve. The number of COVID19 cases continue to drop in Canada, Provincially and locally.

RETURN TO PLAY

The “Return to Play” focus group that Mike Ayyash and Cam Vassallo belong to have submitted their findings/suggestions to Ontario Soccer. Ontario Soccer will now take those findings/suggestions and prepare a report for “RETURN OF PLAY” to Sport Canada. As you have seen or read in the news in the past week various “single” person sports have been approved by the Ministry of Heath / Sport Canada for a “return of play” such as Tennis & Golf etc. We are hoping a ‘Return of Play” protocols will be announced soon from both Sport Canada and Ontario Soccer approved by the Ministry of Health.

Ontario Soccer

Ontario Soccer announced last week that all soccer has been postponed for the month of June.

League(s) Update & Registration

As the beginning of the season continues to be postponed, we would like to remind/reiterate the process the club is prepared to following with regards to Finance etc.

As a result of the continued Postponement from Ontario Soccer for activities in April / May and now June we will be provided a proportional refund / credit. Please note…The refund many not reflect each and every month upon return to play. For example, those athletes playing EMDSL the league would traditionally end in August they may continue to play into Sept. If this happens it would offset the refunds in April etc. For those playing OPDL the season would traditionally end in late Sept. There is talk of play entering November where a similar number of games will be played. If this were to happen it would offset April, May and parts of June. Same process for WRSL (Regional Play).

Further to that, if you still have an outstanding Registration balance and if personal circumstances make it difficult to make payments at this time due to financial instability, the club will continue to work with you. Please contact Executive Director Cam Vassallo @ camvassallo@whitecapslondon.ca

In the event the 2020 season is cancelled we will in turn be providing a Pro-Rated Refund for the Spring and Summer components of our Programing. We will be able to better address this should a decision be made by Ontario Soccer/Sport Canada to cancel the 2020 season.

Fitness

It’s important to keep the fitness/cardio levels ups. Parents we need your support to have your athletes continue to stay fit and challenge themselves. We have no doubt that their ball skills will return, after one or two practice sessions. Fitness is a key component that cannot be “turned on.” We encourage all athletes to take advantage of this down time to go for a daily run, take advantage of the Vancouver Whitecaps LIVE practice sessions daily held at 5:00PM EST and of course all of the other CLUB physical activity offerings. Have your athlete reach out to their coaches if they require a plan or assistance with this.

Frontline Workers Video

Thank you to everyone that submitted their videos for FRONTLINE / ESSENTIAL Workers. Please continue to stay safe. Thank you, FRONTLINE / ESSENTIAL workers. This video is for you.

Whitecaps London fully encourages all athletes and parents to take advantage of the following opportunity. It’s great to have an affiliation/relationship like this directly from a PRO Club to a London Ontario based Youth club. The programming offered to Whitecaps London athletes from the MLS Vancouver Whitecaps FC through out this pandemic has been amazing. Thank you, Vancouver.

Save the DATES:

Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Player and Parent Education

BOYS Session:

The first session will be led by Craig Dalrymple our Player Development and Academy Recruitment Director and will focus on our male player pathway, our development philosophy, and insights into our MLS Academy.

We are excited to confirm the below details for our female player and parent information session, which will be led by our Girls Elite Head Coach Chris Sargeant and will cover a variety of topics ranging from: our female player pathway, a look inside our Girls Elite Super REX Centre in Vancouver, and an overview of our philosophy on working with players. We will also give parents and players an opportunity to ask questions and connect with the Girls Elite Staff directly.

Vegetarians – cook quinoa as per the package instructions then add chili powder and ground cumen to the cooked quinoa

In a casserole dish, combine; ground meat or quinoa, beans, corn, chopped vegetables, salsa, and half of the cheese. Mix it all up. Top with remaining cheese and bake (uncovered) at 375 for 20-25 minutes (or until cheese is bubbly).

Add optional garnishes when serving.

Ole! Dinner is ready! Enjoy.

Gary Miller

Whitecap London are saddened to hear of the sudden death of Gary. A true professional. A lover of the game. A strong believer in youth soccer development. He always had time to chat. Was an incredible family man. Our condolences to his family & to everyone around him.

Excerpt below from Ontario Soccer:

Our Ontario Soccer family is deeply saddened to inform the Membership today that Gary Miller, Director of Soccer Operations of Ontario Soccer, has passed away at the age of 63.

Play. Inspire. Unite.

Our Ontario Soccer family is deeply saddened to inform the Membership today that Gary Miller, Director of Soccer Operations of Ontario Soccer, has passed away at the age of 63.

Gary leaves behind a tremendous legacy on the sport of soccer in Canada, holding multiple tenures at Ontario Soccer, Canada Soccer and a number of other influential organizations over his illustrious career. Gary is a close friend to many in the soccer community.

For Ontario Soccer he served as a Schools Program Coordinator (1983-1985), Technical Director (1985-1990), Director of High Performance (1992-1994) and most recently as the Director of Soccer Operations (2015-2020).

As well, Gary was appointed as the High-Performance Director at the Canadian Soccer Association (1990-1992), the Director of Soccer Operations at the American Scholarship Assistance Program (1994-1997) and the owner/operator, along with his wife Cindy, of Bryst Academy (1997-2015).

Gary will be remembered for his dedication to advance soccer, in all capacities, across Ontario and Canada and he will be greatly missed by his colleagues and those whose lives he impacted.

Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to his wife Cindy, daughters Stephanie, Briana and son Ryan.

Funeral service arrangements will be announced when available.

The Miller family asks for privacy during this difficult time.

Huge shout out to all of our coaches, managers and staff that continue to work behind the scenes to keep our athletes engaged. I am so proud of our club. We have taken on this responsibly. We have never hidden from our membership. We have been out front and doing our best to continue to offer programming while balancing our own households.

May 10, 2020

Hello Whitecaps Family,

Happy Mother’s Day

On behalf of the club we wish every MOM a Happy Mother’s Day! Chances are this is the FIRST Mother’s Day you haven’t had to wake up at 6:00am to be in the GTA for a 9:00am kick off. Enjoy! We hope the athlete in your house spoils you today.

IMPORTANT SURVEY – PLEASE COMPLETE

This is the last day (Sunday) to complete the survey

Click here to take this survey and help us shape the Return to Play. The deadline for submission is May 11, 2020.

Ontario Soccer, in consultation with Canada Soccer and Provincial Government authorities have been monitoring the most recent developments of COVID-19 and are currently assessing operational plans for Return to Play, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold and potentially wind down.

The Ontario Provincial Government made an announcement on April 27, 2020 and within it has laid out a phased-in approach to de-escalating the State of Emergency in Ontario.

Other Canadian provinces have also begun the process of re-opening businesses, easing social restrictions and gradually moving towards modes of operation that work in each region.

Ontario’s Provincial Government has not yet set a date for the beginning of the province’s phased-in approach but there is now an opportunity to begin thinking about what that Return to Play might look like for soccer in our province.

Ontario Soccer has been invited to be part of an Ontario Provincial Government sport sub-committee to assist with the management and strategy of how amateur sport navigates through the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the eventual easing of social restrictions from the Provincial and Federal government, Ontario Soccer understands that there will still may be a great deal of concern on the part of Parents, Players, Team Officials, Match Officials, Clubs, Academies and Districts as Return to Play becomes possible.

The safety and health of our participants will be first and foremost in the decision-making to come.

To better understand your concerns, Ontario Soccer has created a survey so you can provide us your input on what Return to Play in Ontario may look like.

Ontario Soccer asks that administrators at the Districts, Clubs and Ontario Recognized Academies complete the survey. As well, we ask that you share it widely with your members to ensure their ideas are heard and accounted for.

Survey data collected will assist Ontario Soccer with our Return to Play strategy and can also be shared with the Ontario Government sub-committee on sport.

Click here to take this survey and help us shape the Return to Play. The deadline for submission is May 11, 2020.

TEAM TRAINING

At this point Our coaches have completed the phase in of LIVE team training. The activity within the zoom platform with continues to evolve as we anticipate the possibility of return to play this summer. As we stated last week, we encourage the activity of all athletes to begin focusing on cardio/fitness and the come to the zoom sessions the same way they would approach practice pre-covid19. Coaches Great Job.

Stay at Home Challenge - #CapGotTalent Contest

The Whitecaps Keep Movin Stay at Home Challenge continues. The Athletes are loving this challenge.

Whitecaps Keep Movin Stay at Home Challenge. The more submissions the more tickets in the hat for us to draw from.

Be sure to use the hashtag #whitecapskeepmovin

LAST WEEK OF : CAPS GOT TALENT. Can you Draw❓
Can you sing or dance❓
Can you play an instrument❓
Do you have a special talent❓

Post your Talent. It can be a picture or a video, just use the hashtag #capsgottalent and tag us❗️

Again, please ensure that everyone stays isolated, remains safe and continues to do their part to end this.

Our All. Our Honour.

Stay Safe. Stay Healthy.

Thank you,

Abbi Lezizidis

President - Whitecaps London Soccer Club

295 Rectory St. London Ontario

519-317-2680.

May 3, 2020

Dear Whitecap Families

The beautiful weather is upon us. There are many new conversations happening with regards to COVID19 and Youth Sports. Nothing concrete at this time but is certainly welcomed news. Please continue to practice social distancing and let’s continue to lower the curve so we can get out there and play.

IMPORTANT ONTARIO SOCCER SURVEY – PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE COMPLETE

Click hereto take this survey and help us shape the Return to Play. The deadline for submission is May 11, 2020.

Ontario Soccer, in consultation with Canada Soccer and Provincial Government authorities have been monitoring the most recent developments of COVID-19 and are currently assessing operational plans for Return to Play, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold and potentially wind down.

The Ontario Provincial Government made an announcement on April 27, 2020 and within it has laid out aphased-in approachto de-escalating the State of Emergency in Ontario.

Other Canadian provinces have also begun the process of re-opening businesses, easing social restrictions and gradually moving towards modes of operation that work in each region.

Ontario’s Provincial Government has not yet set a date for the beginning of the province’s phased-in approach but there is now an opportunity to begin thinking about what that Return to Play might look like for soccer in our province.

Ontario Soccer has been invited to be part of an Ontario Provincial Government sport sub-committee to assist with the management and strategy of how amateur sport navigates through the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the eventual easing of social restrictions from the Provincial and Federal government, Ontario Soccer understands that there will still may be a great deal of concern on the part of Parents, Players, Team Officials, Match Officials, Clubs, Academies and Districts as Return to Play becomes possible.

The safety and health of our participants will be first and foremost in the decision-making to come.

To better understand your concerns, Ontario Soccer has created a survey so you can provide us your input on what Return to Play in Ontario may look like.

Ontario Soccer asks that administrators at the Districts, Clubs and Ontario Recognized Academies complete the survey. As well, we ask that you share it widely with your members to ensure their ideas are heard and accounted for.

Survey data collected will assist Ontario Soccer with our Return to Play strategy and can also be shared with the Ontario Government sub-committee on sport.

Click hereto take this survey and help us shape the Return to Play. The deadline for submission is May 11, 2020.

TEAM TRAINING

Our coaches having been planning the Phasing of LIVE team training. It will continued to roll out this week. The activity within the zoom platform with continues to evolve as we anticipate the possibility of return to play this summer. We encourage the activity of all athletes to begin focusing on cardio/fitness and the come to the zoom sessions the same way they would approach practice pre-covid19. Hats off to our coaches who along with our athletes are adjusting staying committed to keeping the athletes engaged.

Update: Ontario Soccer OPDL Task Force

Technical Director Mike Ayyash & our Executive Director Cam Vassallo have been playing an integral role within Ontario Soccer and leading the area with their involvement in the OPDL task force. The OPDL task force made up of other TD’s and ED’s from throughout Ontario. The task force will be guiding and providing solutions to Ontario Soccer to guide us through these unprecedented times. Hats off to Mike & Cam for taking a leadership role locally and provincially for our governing body.

Stay at Home Challenge - #CapsGotTalent Contest

The Whitecaps Keep Movin Stay at Home Challenge continues. The Athletes are loving this challenge.

Whitecaps Keep Movin Stay at Home Challenge. The more submissions the more tickets in the hat for us to draw from.

Be sure to use the hashtag #whitecapskeepmovin

NEW Contest: CAPS GOT TALENT. Can you Draw❓
Can you sing or dance❓
Can you play an instrument❓
Do you have a special talent❓

Post your Talent. It can be a picture or a video, just use the hashtag #CapsGotTalent and tag us❗️

Again, please ensure that everyone stays isolated, remains safe and continues to do their part to end this.

Our All. Our Honour.

Stay Safe. Stay Healthy.

Thank you,

Abbi Lezizidis

President - Whitecaps London Soccer Club

295 Rectory St. London Ontario

519-317-2680.

APRIL 26, 2020

Dear Whitecaps Families

Whitecaps London continues to follow all directives from our governing bodies, as well as all various levels of government. At this time, all soccer activities continue to be suspended for May.

NEW Zoom Training for May

We will be introducing coach led team training via Zoom for the month of May. This will involve the team coaches using a portion of their scheduled Zoom times to lead their teams through a live technical session. Players will only need a ball, some cones (could use socks or any small obstacles) and a wall or couch to pass the ball against. This will allow the players to train with their teammates and with the coach's supervision and get specific feedback as they execute the technical exercises. The team coaches will be reaching out with more details.

Individual Player & Parent Meetings for U13+ Teams

Coaches for teams U13 and older will be setting up meetings with parents and athletes during the month of May. They will be approx. 10-15 minutes per player. We ask that Parents must be present. The purpose of the individual meetings is for the coaches to review with the players their individual development plans and progress and help them out set out objectives for the next few weeks. These calls will be related to the four corners of development: Technical/Tactical, Mental, Social/Emotional, Physical. Please support the club and the coaches on this initiative.

Grassroots players (U12 and under) will do their goal setting in a group format where the coaches review their objectives together. At those ages the players are still working on the fundamentals so the focus is more broad than older players. If any players at those ages groups needs specific help with anything please reach out to your head coach directly.

· Join us every weekday morning at 11:30 a.m. EST for 'Caps Clubhouse!

· ‘Caps Clubhouse is our NEW children's program that will feature a book reading session with Spike, a player or club ambassador, and a sign-language interpreter. A fun activity will follow each reading session, such as a sing-a-long, arts and crafts and more!

Again, please ensure that everyone stays isolated, remains safe and continues to do their part.

The entire club is a phone call away if you need to chat.

Thank you,

Abbi Lezizidis

President - Whitecaps London Soccer Club

295 Rectory St. London Ontario

519-317-2680.

April 10, 2020

Dear Whitecaps London Families,

Intro:

Whitecaps London continues to follow all directives from our governing bodies, as well as all various levels of government. At this time, all soccer activities continue to be suspended for May.

Whitecaps London remains committed to operational planning and to be fully prepared to transition to return to play when we are able to do so. This includes field schedules/permits, uniforms, equipment and staffing to be ready to launch as quickly as we can once we get the "green light" to do so.

Finance & Leagues Update:

Now that the beginning of the soccer season has officially been affected, we are looking at ways to provide cost savings to families. As a result of the current mandate from Ontario Soccer for activities in April / May we will be providing a proportional refund / credit.

Further to that, if you still have an outstanding Registration balance and if personal circumstances make it difficult to make payments at this time due to financial instability, the club will work with you. Please contact Executive Director Cam Vassallo @ camvassallo@whitecapslondon.ca

In the event the 2020 season is cancelled we will in turn be providing a Pro-Rated Refund for the Spring and Summer components of our Programing. We will be able to better address this should a decision be made by Ontario Soccer to cancel the 2020 season.

At this time Our Leagues (OPDL, WRSL, EMDSL) have not made announcements about cancelling the Soccer Season – and are currently looking at revised start dates. The OPDL for example have created a Task Force that Mike Ayyash and Cam Vassallo are involved with. They are working on various options to continue the Season. The League was set to end in September, but they are now looking at possibly extending the season into October. The WRSL has stated they would allow games to be played up until September 30th, the original schedule ended in August.

Final thoughts:

It is important to note that many parents have been issued layoffs and without doubt soccer is not at the top of their mind. Thank you to many of our Parents who are frontline workers and essential workers risking their health and safety daily. It is easier said than done but in these troubling times please try not to forget the POWER OF SPORT and what it means to the Athletes. At this time, we encourage all players to participate in our Home Programming modules and Zoom Meetings. We know ZOOM meetings will never replace human interaction. We can never underestimate the power of connectivity regardless of median.

Huge shout out to all of our coaches, managers and staff that continue to work behind the scenes to keep our athletes engaged. I am so proud of our club. We have taken on this responsibly. We have never hidden from our membership. We have been out front and doing our best to continue to offer programming while balancing our own households.

Again, please ensure that everyone stays isolated, remains safe and continues to do their part to end this pandemic.

The entire club is a phone call away if you need to chat.

Sincerly,

Abbi Lezizidis

President - Whitecaps London Soccer Club

295 Rectory St. London Ontario

519-317-2680

April 5, 2020

Hello Whitecap Families;

Please see our weekly club update. We trust that you continue to be safe and healthy.

ZOOM

We are now into week three of our ZOOM sessions with our teams. We are seeing some really great things. It’s wonderful to see all the athletes adjust to this temporary stage and reconnect. We are constantly thinking of new ways to engage the membership with the two new initiatives below. Proving the added value of our direct affiliation with the Vancouver Whitecaps F.C. of the MLS.

‘Caps Clubhouse is our NEW children's program that will feature a book reading session with Spike, a player or club ambassador, and a sign-language interpreter. A fun activity will follow each reading session, such as a sing-a-long, arts and crafts and more!

We launched a new section on our web site to highlight businesses owned and operated by families within our programming. Please take a look at the following link. Do you own a business want featured on our page Send us the details at abbi@whitecapslondon.ca

The club has been very busy in ZOOM meetings with various governing bodies. We are thrilled to announce that Ontario Soccer have placed our Technical Director Mike Ayyash & our Executive Director Cam Vassallo on a new OPDL task force. The OPDL task force made up of other TD’s and ED’s from throughout Ontario. The task force will be guiding and providing solutions to Ontario Soccer to guide us through these unprecedented times.

Contests

We are continuing our stay at home challenge and our essay writing contest. The current contest ends on April 15. Both contests offer the chance to win a $25.00 gift card for Whitecaps London swag from Team Works. A winner from Grassroots and U13 Plus will be awarded.

It is important to note that these are STAY AT HOME Challenges. From this moment on we will not be posting any submissions from athletes that appear to be taken anywhere other than your home. Front & Backyards will qualify. Just no parks, schools etc. Thank you for understanding. Any submission prior to this date will be submitted for the contest. The health & safety of our membership is paramount.

Ontario Soccer – FAQ #3

Updates of COVID-19 Impacted Activities and FAQ #3

By Staff, 04/03/20, 10:45AM EDT

PISL season, Club Nationals, Emergency Wage Subsidy, Refunds and more in this update

Play. Inspire. Unite.

Ontario Soccer, in consultation with Canada Soccer and governmental advisors, continues to monitor the most recent developments surrounding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the resulting public health crisis.

The timing and meeting format of my soccer organization’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) is being affected by COVID-19 restrictions. What do I do?

On March 31, the Government of Ontario announced support for registered corporations, by implementing an Emergency Order to provide flexibility for corporate meetings. This Emergency Order includes not-for-profit corporations incorporated under the Ontario Corporations Act (CA) and gives them the ability to hold virtual meetings, as well as extends the timeframe for AGMs to be held.

This Emergency Order will enable organizations to:

Hold meetings of directors, shareholders and members electronically or over the phone even if legislation (like Ontario’s Corporations Act) or your bylaws say you cannot. The electronic or phone system has to allow people to communicate with each other simultaneously and instantaneously. So, for example, an email chain over a few days likely would not qualify as a meeting.

Extend the timeframe by which corporations under the Corporations Act and Business Corporations Act must hold Annual General Meetings (AGMs).

The deadlines for non-profits to hold their AGMs are now extended to:

90 days after the state of emergency is ended by the Ontario government.

If the government ends the state of emergency within 30 days before your current deadline, then you have until 120 days after the state of emergency ends.

The Emergency Order is in effect province-wide and is retroactive to March 17, 2020, the day the Declaration of Emergency came into effect.

Now that the Provincial Indoor Soccer League has announced the cancellation of the remainder of the season, what are the anticipated next steps and what can be expected in terms of refunds?

Recently, the PISL made the hard decision to announce the cancellation of the remainder of the 2019/20 season, including the Championship games to be held at the beginning of May. The process of sending out individual communications to teams and Clubs/Academies has begun, and will be completed within the coming days. Included in the email will be detailed information on how refunds for all missed games will be distributed, with exact amounts, which are owed for each team.

Further communications in the coming weeks will also be sent out, which will outline the process taken for identifying 1st and 2nd place teams for each age division, and how awarding of medals will take place.

As league offices remain closed at this time, if there are any questions please contact us via email at pisl@ontariosoccer.net

Has there been any confirmation from Canada Soccer on the status of the Club Nationals later this year?

Canada Soccer is mindful that this suspension of activity may have long-term implications on national events such as the 2020 Toyota National Championships in October. Canada Soccer has recently confirmed with Member Associations that they are currently planning for the competitions to occur as scheduled, however, Canada Soccer will continue to closely monitor all COVID-19 developments and will conduct a review June 30 to monitor the feasibility of hosting the competitions in 2020. They will also revisit the Regional Masters in the same time frame.

What is Canada Soccer doing to help the game during this time?

As part of an ongoing effort to encourage, engage and motivate the Canadian soccer community, Canada Soccer has launched the Canada Soccer Nation Inside platform to unite players, coaches, referees, volunteers, and fans, who are doing their part to stay inside and off the pitch. The platform will provide unique online content, as well as support public health authority messaging in the effort to curb the spread of COVID-19 across our communities.

Online education will kick off this week with Canada Soccer Men’s National Team Head Coach and Men’s EXCEL Program Director John Herdman and his staff delivering a Men’s EXCEL 101 webinar that will provide knowledge and insight on coach and player development within the Men’s EXCEL Program. The free webinar runs online this Saturday, April 4th starting at 3 p.m. with registration available here. In a time when all of Canada has committed to staying off the pitch, the webinar offers coaches an opportunity to continue their development.

What other sorts of things is Ontario Soccer doing to help aid our Districts, Leagues, Clubs and Academies?

At a time, when our soccer community across Ontario would typically prepare for the upcoming outdoor season, the global COVID-19 pandemic has affected all levels of the game greatly in recent weeks. During this unprecedented period of uncertainty, it is pivotal that we all stand together and support each other. Ontario Soccer is doing its part, as we continue to be here for our members by providing regular communication updates, adjusting program and service delivery and replying to members’ inquiries.

In addition to these efforts, Ontario Soccer is debuting a weekly Grassroots Spotlight Series that will help you optimize this period, so you are ready for when soccer season resumes. Over a number of weekly editions, the Series will provide best practices, strategies and tips from Ontario Soccer’s leaders and spotlight the innovative, outside-the-box work of member organisations to help you better engage with your stakeholders, control costs, deliver programming, manage administration and stay fit.

In the first installment, the leaders of Ontario Soccer share their top tip for you to stay mentally and physically sharp during this period. Visit OntarioSoccer.net for the first edition.

Why is Ontario Soccer continuing to promote a registration deadline for Ontario Cup? I thought all soccer activities have been suspended until the end of April.

Following Ontario Soccer’s March 24 COVID-19 Update, the Ontario Cup Entry Deadline, which was April 1, 2020, was extended to April 22, 2020, in hopes a return to play would be possible this summer.

Ontario Soccer, in consultation with Canada Soccer and public health authorities has been monitoring the most recent developments of COVID-19 and are currently assessing operations (postponements and cancellations) on a month-to-month basis as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold. Further updates will be announced as warranted.

Until that time, Ontario Soccer also acknowledges the difficult financial times that some organizations may be facing during this COVID-19 crisis.

As a result, the Ontario Cup entry fee deadline has been extended beyond the entry deadline.

Payment for the Ontario Cup is now possible until May 11, 2020.

Please note that should the 2020 Ontario Cup competition be cancelled, all teams that have entered will receive a full refund. Visit OntarioSoccer.net for more on Ontario Cup entry.

What can you tell me about the Government of Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy?

To help Canadians and businesses get through these tough economic times, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, announced that the Government is proposing to introduce a wage subsidy of 75 per cent for qualifying businesses, for up to 3 months, retroactive to March 15, 2020.

How do I get a player registration fee refund from my Club or Academy?

Ontario Soccer does not refund player registration fees to individuals. Please contact your Club or Academy and refer to their posted refund policy for the process to follow.

I am considering registering as a Match Official for the 2020 season, but I am not sure, if I will receive a refund if the season is suspended. How is Ontario Soccer managing this?

As communicated in March, all registration late fees are waived for the 2020 season, and based on the official start date of the 2020 season, there will be a weekly pro-rated reduction in registration fees. This pro-rating will begin July 6, 2020.

If the season starts late, Leagues are already discussing the potential to push their games later into the season to recoup all/some lost games. Additionally, as a registered Match Official you will have access to officiating indoor competition (if offered in your District).

Ontario Soccer and the District Associations are still going to be providing programming to support the development of Match Officials once the season kicks off, therefore, the LTOD fee and District Development Fees will still be collected as a part of registration, but will also be pro-rated.

If you registered prior to the pro-rated fees coming into place, we will be reaching out to you directly and individually in regards to refunding the difference between the fees based on the season start date.

Registration remains open, and Match Officials, Assignors and Assessors can register at any time.

A Match Official specific FAQ and further Match Officiating communication will be shared in the coming days.

How do I stay connected with Ontario Soccer while activities are suspended?

March 24, 2020

Ontario Soccer announced today that all scheduled events and activities for the month of April have been cancelled.

We anticipated the news to extend the cancellation of activities. We have already begun to offer virtual in class sessions via ZOOM. We have planned many creative and unique sessions.

Here is the full Update from Ontario Soccer today.

Any questions please reach out at anytime.

Regards

Abbi Lezizidis

President – Whitecaps London

Action Bulletin

Bulletin #: A2020-007

Date: Mar. 24, 2020

To: Club Membership

CC: Ontario Soccer Board of Directors, Staff

From: Johnny Misley, Chief Executive Officer

Subject: COVID-19 Cancellation Notice Update

As a further follow up to the Ontario Soccer and Canada Soccer announcements of March 12 and March 13 regarding the suspension of all sanctioned soccer events and activities, Ontario Soccer today is announcing that all scheduled events and activities for the month of April have been cancelled.

Ontario Soccer, in consultation with Canada Soccer, have been monitoring the most recent developments with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the emerging public health crisis and are currently assessing operations and deciding cancellations on a month-to-month basis as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold.

At this time, Ontario Soccer is also asking organizations at all levels of membership – District, Club and Ontario Registered Academies (ORA) – to actively communicate our official information updates to their soccer community members by posting on their website, sharing it via email and using social media. We have received a variety of direct inquiries from participants (and parents) requesting information. It is critical that all Soccer Clubs and ORAs keep their members informed during these challenging times.

As social or physical distancing is not a concern in an online, isolated environment, activities that can be completed online, such as Match Official Accreditation Clinics, some Coaching Courses, registering for future events and competitions such as Ontario Cup, or the outdoor season registration and other activities that do not require public or private gathering, will continue until further notice.

If your membership has further questions, please refer them to the latest bulletin, Updates on COVID-19 Impacted Activities and FAQ #2 and the COVID-19 Updates page, which has all the latest information from Ontario Soccer, as well as resources for your members to better inform themselves.

If you have any questions, please contact Patty Forbes, Director of Administration.

March 21, 2020

Hello Whitecaps London Families,

We hope that all is well in your households and you are all healthy and continue to take measures to ensure your safety.

We are reaching out to update you on the club activities and what we are planning in the coming weeks.

Our staff have been in constant communication with Vancouver Whitecaps FC and Ontario Soccer as all organizations try to work through this unprecedented event. We have established and joined several task forces to deal with different aspects of the programs, and this morning we had a meeting via ZOOM with all of our Whitecaps London coaches to plan our next steps.

With isolation clearly in front of us, Vancouver Whitecaps have been working on a Home Training Program for all of our athlete’s coast to coast.

Beginning this week, the coaches will be reaching out to share this program with the athletes and to set up virtual team meetings via ZOOM. Imagine a classroom session at BMO, but done online!

The goal is to keep the athletes engaged, positive, connected with their teammates and coaches, and ready to hit the ground running whenever we return to action. We ask that you commit fully to this programming as parents and set a strong expectation to be on time for virtual ZOOM meetings.

The link for each meeting will be sent by your coach or team manager. ZOOM is very easy to use. You will simply click on a link and your computer will do the rest. We would prefer your athlete to use a laptop or Desktop style computer however, the great thing about ZOOM is the versatility of its platform. If you wish to use a tablet or mobile phone, simple download the APP and it will work the same.

Note: ZOOM is an online video-based service. Please be aware of your surroundings and find a private area of the home during our virtual ZOOM training/meeting. All families are welcomed to be involved during the ZOOM calls at all times although it is not mandatory for the parents.

We truly understand many of you have more questions than we have answers during these uncertain and challenging times. We are communicating internally on a daily basis and will continue to update you regularly. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to us anytime.

March 16, 2020

Re: COVID-19 Club Update

Hello Whitecaps London Family,

The club executives are aware that the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) is a growing concern for many in our region and around the globe.

We are closely monitoring and following the guidance of the Centres for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO), to ensure that all Whitecaps London Athletes, Coaches, Managers and All other Team officials are safe and healthy at this time.

With this in mind, we will be following the lead of our governing bodies (Canada & Ontario Soccer) in conjunction/consultation from the MLS Vancouver Whitecaps.

Additionally, Whitecaps London is asking everyone to comply with the WHO's recommendation measures:

< >Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer; Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth unless you have just cleaned your hands;Cover your cough and sneezes with a tissue or into your arm, not your hand; If possible, stay home if you are sick; Put distance between yourself and other people to minimize exposure; and Seek medical care early is you have a fever, cough or difficulty breathing, and sharing your recent travel history with your healthcare provider. Keep sleepovers and large gatherings to a minimum. https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/diseases-and-conditions/infectious-diseases/respiratory-diseases/novel-coronavirus

Together as a community we will continue to meet the challenges ahead of us at this time. Please take care of yourselves and be safe. We will soon be back at. Stay strong!

From the Team at Whitecaps London Football Club

Sincerely,

Abbi Lezizidis

President & Co Chair

Whitecaps London F.C.

March 17, 2020

Skills Challenge & Essay Writing Contest Details

What better way to motivate the athletes from the club to take part in two very different contests? We have four $25 Source for Sport Gift Cards up for grab. Two for the Grassroots Athletes and Two for U13 to U21 Athletes.

Keep Movin Challenge. It can be a photo or a video. It can be anywhere.In a basement, Living Room or any other room in the house.The “ASK” is that you show us how you “Keep Movin” during this break. Show us it by tagging our socials using the HASHTAG #whitecapskeepmovin. Be sure to show off Whitecaps gear in the video.All Submissions will be entered in a draw at the deadline and a winner will be chosen then. Good Luck

Essay Contest. Tell us “WHY” you love being a Whitecap?It can be about anything Whitecaps.It can be about various things or just one thing.Examples to write about are: A teammate, Your Awesome Coach, the program itself or it could be about something cool that you did at practice or how cool it feels to be a Whitecap.All Essays will be reviewed by our Whitecaps London Board. Email all Essay’s in PDF format to: contest@whitecapslondon.ca

Contest Details Below:

Contest #1

What: Keep Movin Challenge - It can be a photo or a video

When: Now to April 15, 2020 (Post, tagged and using hashtag by Noon April 15)

The Challenge: Show us your drill. Be sure to wear your Whitecaps gear. Goodluck!

The Prize: Two Gift Source for Sport Gift Cards up for grabs: All Submissions will be entered in a draw at the deadline and a winner will be chosen then.

U8 to U12 (Grassroots)

U13 -U21

Tag us on:

Instagram: whitecaps.london

Tik Tok: whitecapslondon

Twitter: @whitecapslondon

Rules: Tag us on one of the socials above. You must use the following hashtag.

#whitecapskeepmovin

All submissions will be reviewed by the Whitecaps London board.

Each winner be awarded one $25.00 gift card from Source for Sports.

Contest #2

What: Essay Contest

When: Now to April 15, 2020 (Submitted by Noon April 15)

The Challenge: Tells “WHY you love being a Whitecap?” Minimum 200 words and Max 500 words.